Yuriy Bekker is a critically acclaimed conductor, violinist, and passionate community ambassador. He has led the Charleston Symphony Orchestra as Artistic Director since 2021, while concurrently serving as Concertmaster since 2007 and Principal Pops Conductor since 2016. Bekker previously served as the orchestra’s Acting Artistic Director from 2010 to 2014 and has long demonstrated vision and dedication to the CSO. In 2011, he received the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award from the City of Charleston in recognition of his cultural contributions to the community.